Unique even in its scientific Family, the Pig-Footed Bandicoot once wandered the arid plains of Australia with an unusual body type. On stilted legs, they balanced on hoof-like nails on the forefeet and fused toes on the back that made it appear like a horse hoof. Though described by Europeans as having an awkward gain that had the creature dragging it’s legs behind itself, the aborigines describe it as a graceful gallop in motion.

It is hard to say what caused the extinction of the strange little bandicoot. According to natives of Australia, they were already rare to being with and their inevitable extinction may have been linked with the arrival of colonists. Once arrived, the aboriginal population ceased most of its desert burning, which encouraged new and fresh plant growth which the animal relied upon. This loss of an traditional land management, coupled with the introduction of cattle that demolished desert soil and plant growth patterns, spelt the end for the Pig-Footed Bandicoot.

Aboriginal people were the last to sight them in the 1950s.

Extinction Date According to the IUCN Red List: 1950s